City Departments

Open Public Records

The Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) requires that documents and materials that fall within KORA's definition of "public records" shall be open for inspection by any person unless specifically exempted by K.S.A. 45-221. Most records maintained by public entities are open for inspection and/or copying by individuals. However, the KORA recognizes that some records contain information which is private in nature. Records which are closed may include, but not limited to:

Personnel information of public employees;

Medical treatment records;

Records which are protected by the attorney-client privilege or the rules of evidence;

Records containing personal information compiled for census purposes;

Notes and preliminary drafts;

Criminal investigation records; and

Several other reasons

KORA authorizes public agencies to charge fees for providing access to or furnishing copies of public records. These fees may be requested in advance and may include:

Cost of staff required to make the information available.

Cost of copying or reproducing the record.

It is the City of Salina's policy not to charge for retrieval time of less than 15 minutes or duplication of less than 11 pages.

You may review the KORA by visiting the Kansas Legislature website. The KORA starts at K.S.A. 45-215.
The City of Salina also allows the public access to records that are currently stored in our imaging system called Laserfiche. Documents such as minutes, ordinances, resolutions and agreements are available online. Click here to go to the Laserfiche site.

How to Request a Record

Step 1

Check with the records custodian from the respective department to determine whether the information that you need is available. We ask that you please be specific when requesting information so that the custodian will be able to serve you better.

Step 2

Depending upon the size and/or estimated time to retrieve the record, you may be asked to submit your request for information in writing or on a Request for Open Public Records form. Make sure your request is as specific as possible so that your request may be filled quickly and completely. The records custodian may ask for additional details in order to fulfill your request accurately. Click here for Open Public Records Form.

Step 3

Most records will be produced within three business days from the time the request is received.

Step 4

If you have any question about your request, contact the City Clerk, your local Freedom of Information Officer.